Dr. Belachew Tessema, MD

He changed my appointment to another month and a half...they apparently can't even set up a simple MRI so I have to wait till May and the appointment was only to set up an appointment! I'm concerned I might have tumors in my sinus and I have to wait now more than a month and this is just to set up an appointment for the MRI!

I highly recommend Dr Tessema! He has been an amazing ENT. He is funny, personable, and makes you feel comfortable. I recently had my pituitary tumor removed, and can honestly say I knew I was in good hands, which helped some of my surgery nervousness. Im 2 months post op and feel great! My surgery went well and recovery has been quite a breeze for me. Thank god for modern medicine and amazing Drs!

Have suffered well over 20 years of constant sinus infections. Had nasal polyps surgically removed with only temporary results. Many on and off prescriptions of prednisone to combat the infections. Thanks to Dr.Tessema prescribing 300ml dose injection of Dupixient I have not had any issues for about a year. It has truly been life changing for this 75 year old active male.

I am a 69 year old male with a life long history of allergies and sinus problems. I have, over the years, been to many doctors seeking relief with limited results. I was recently admitted to UConn Medical Center through the emergency room for a dangerous swelling of the area around my left eye. Upon examination and testing I was found to have badly inflamed sinuses with an infection. The lead ENT informed me that I needed an extensive clean out and surgery to improve drainage. He said I was fortunate in that he was able to obtain the services of Dr. Tessema, one of only two doctors in the state with the necessary expertise, to perform the procedure. On the day of surgery Dr. Tessema told me with confidence that he could fix the problem. He backed up his confidence with extreme surgical competence. It is now two months post surgery and my sinuses are clear, swelling and infection are gone, drainage is excellent and allergies and asthma are improved. I would highly recommend anyone… with problems such as mine to seek his consultation.

After having the first consult, he decided to make another consult appointment for no reason. Did the same diagnostic exam - I suppose to rake in another consult fee. He decided to refer me to another ENT specialist for the septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery for some reason. The other ENT never got the referral and by the time they sorted everything out (2 months), they could not schedule me before my insurance ran out. I contacted Dr. Tessema's receptionist explaining that I was in extreme pain and discomfort. She said she would ask Dr. Tessema but there has no been no response for the past 2 months. As a medical professional myself, I see this as patient abandonment and a violation of the non maleficence code. Dr. Tessema should be ashamed of himself along with the entire ENT department at UConn. Patients beware and try to avoid this doctor.

I am so happy that I was referred to Dr. Tessema a few months ago by my ENT. I have chronic sinusitis and I have had nasal polyps for about 30 years. I came into his office not being able to smell or taste food very well and assuming I would need surgery. I have been sick for many years and have had 2 previous nasal surgeries but the symptoms kept returning. He made me feel like there was hope and shared with me that there were other options we could try based on my symptoms. I started Dupixent (a self injectable drug) about 6 weeks ago and already can feel the difference. I realized the other day that I have a faint sense of small returning and haven't had to be on Prednisone for going on 2 weeks (which for me is unusual). I highly recommend making an appointment with him if you have nasal polyps! He literally has already started to change my quality of life.

Dr. Tessema is a truly an amazing doctor. I cannot recommend him enough! He is funny, personable, and makes you feel comfortable. After dealing with a prolonged, chronic sinus infection (post-nasal drip, coughing, headaches, and congestion) Tessema decided my only option left was surgery. After countless different antibiotics, prednisone, allergy tests, and immune deficiency tests...nothing was fixing my chronic sinus infection. The thought of surgery can be scary, however, Tessema made me feel so comfortable and reassured me there is nothing to be scared of...and he was right! I had endoscopic sinus surgery and the recovery was 100% PAINLESS. There was minor bleeding from the nose after the surgery, however, there was NO pain, bruising, or swelling WHATSOEVER! It never even looked like I had surgery! I can finally breathe fully out of my nose. Thank you Dr. Tessema!

First and foremost, thank you for changing my life! Dr. Tessema gets to the root of the issue and tells it like it is; his staff calls him Dr. Awesome for a reason! I have had two previous sinus surgeries and this last one was badly needed. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical having to go in for a third surgery but I am so glad that I did. I have suffered with sinus issues for over ten years. My case is not an easy one. The medication that I have to take (Humira) contributes to my sinus issues, but I HAVE to take the medication because it would create another issues. Dr. Tessema reviewed my medical history, analyzed the case and came up with a game plan that I was comfortable with. The results so far are outstanding. I can breath better, my sleep has improved, which leads to better health. Overall my quality of life has improved significantly. A sinus infection every other month is not the way to live. One of my fears going into surgery was the nausea I would have to… deal with..... NOT THIS TIME, I woke up feeling no pain and no nausea. I actually had dinner later that night! If you are on the fence about having surgery GO SEE Dr. Tessema! He is a fantastic doctor. I know the thought of surgery can create anxiety but he will help with your fears and make you more comfortable then you thought was possible. Thank you again for changing my life!

Thank you Dr. Tessema for helping me breathe! I came to you after years of suffering with sinus issues. Coming to you for care and the sinus surgery you recommended and performed has changed my life. You made it easy. Thanks Dr. T!!

Dr. Tessima is truly a wonderful doctor. He is funny, he tells it like it is. I had a very intense surgery with another doctor who truly saved my life. I was suffering for about 20 years and kept thinking that my issues would go away. Well, apparently I needed a 2nd surgery and I wanted a 2nd opinion. So.....I met Dr. Tessima. He knows what he is talking about. I just had my surgery 2 days ago without any issues. The surgery itself if painless. No pain whatsoever. I am suffering from severe muscle aches right now and I imagine that is from lying on the operating table. After a few Alleve, I should be fine. I recommend Dr. Tessima without a doubt.